Beet History
Beets, botanically-known as Beta vulgaris, are native to the Mediterranean. Although the leaves have been eaten since before written history, the beet root was generally used medicinally and did not become a popular food until French chefs recognized their potential in the 1800's.Beet powder is used as a coloring agent for many foods. Some frozen pizzas use beet powder to color the tomato sauce.
The most common garden beet is a deep ruby red in color, but yellow, white, and even candy-striped (with red and white concentric circles) are available in specialty markets. Outside the United States, beets are generally referred to as beetroot.
It is estimated that about two-thirds of commercial beet crops end up canned.
More About Beets (Beetroot):
• Beet Cooking Tips• Beet (Beetroot) Selection and Storage
• Beet History
• Beet Recipes
Beet / Beetroot Photo © 2007 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.
